Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Everyone lives in it, but how well do they really know the human body? The Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology course offers multiple lectures designed to introduce students to the complex and fascinating structures and systems of the human body. Step by step, this course will guide students through the major systems of the body, describing the composition and function of each of the structures that make up the human anatomy and detailing exactly how these structures work together both independently and collectively. Students who complete this course will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the human body works as well as how certain factors can contribute to the breakdown of these systems.

The Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology course will familiarize students with the structures and functions of the human body. Anatomy describes the structures of the body – their scientific names, location, composition and associated structures – and offers a map of the human body for students. Physiology, on the other hand, studies the function of each structure, individuals and in combination with the other structures. As students examine each part of the body during this course, they’ll discover how Anatomy and Physiology always work together and will continually focus on both the structure and function of body.

The Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology course provides an overview of common medical terminology and presents the major anatomical structures of the human body systems. It also explores the basic physiological processes of each system, discussing how body systems work together. Finally, the course explores how each system participates in homeostasis of the body. Body systems discussed in this course include the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, male and female reproductive, digestive, respiratory, lymphatic, and urinary systems.

The Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Describe the organization of the human body
• Explain the contribution that each body system makes to homeostasis of the body
• Identify the major anatomical structures of each body system and their purposes
• Explain basic physiological processes in each of the body systems